Microsoft Trademarks New 'Per-View' Content System for Xbox One

Trademark suggests limit will be placed on number of viewers for content.

A filing application with the United States Patents and Trademarks Office from Microsoft has revealed the company plans to deliver content to Xbox One owners on a 'per-user-view' basis and if the number of views is exceeded action - though it's not exactly clear what - will be taken against the system's owner.

According to the application Microsoft intends to create "A content presentation system and method allowing content providers to regulate the presentation of content on a per-user-view basis. Content is distributed an associated license option on the number of individual consumers or viewers allowed to consume the content.

"Consumers are presented with a content selection and a choice of licenses allowing consumption of the content. The users consuming the content on a display device are monitored so that if the user-views licensed is exceeded, remedial action may be taken."

Based on the description of the technology developed for the patent it seems likely Microsoft will use the Kinect sensor, which is mandatory with Xbox One, to monitor the number of people present while watching a TV show, movie or music on the device. Presumably, should the content be consumed by too many people Xbox One owners will need to pay again.

In relation to games on the platform Microsoft's Phil Harrison has commented that players will have "permission to play" on Xbox One so long as it's connected to their account. The system is set to be launched later this year. You can see the technical drawings submitted with the patent filing below.